• RAAus aircraft have been restricted to a maximum take-off weight of 600 kg, but the organisation plans to change that. (Steve Hitchen)
    RAAus aircraft have been restricted to a maximum take-off weight of 600 kg, but the organisation plans to change that. (Steve Hitchen)
Close×

Recreational Aviation Australian (RAAus) today published a survey that shows the bulk of members support the organisation's push for increased maximum take-off weights and access to controlled airspace (CTA).

According to RAAus, the responses to the survey revealed "overwhelming" desire among its members to have the two initiatives put in place.

RAAus has applied to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to have the maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of aircraft they are permitted to administer lifted from 600 kg to either 750 or 1500 kg.

The survey also revealed that 63% of RAAus members would either fly a wider range of aircraft or use their existing aircraft to better effect. RAAus believed the response shows that an increase in MTOW would have positive economic impact for aircraft manufacturers and maintainers.

On the issue of access to CTA, the report summary shows that 74% of RAAus members are keen to be allowed to fly in controlled airspace, particularly around military control zones.

RAAus CEO Michael Linke said the survey response showed that the current management had the support of the majority of the membership base

"As CEO it is pleasing to see that the mood of the membership is positive and supportive of the direction we are taking," he said in a statement.

"Everyone at RAAus continues to work hard for our members, keeping us at the forefront of recreational aviation and ensuring the interests of our members are looked after."

RAAus has also reported that the overall satisfaction rating for the organisation was 7 out of 10, which is the same as reported last year.

"Overall the management and Board of RAAus are pleased with the response to the survey and the message contained within the survey results," RAAus states. "At a macro level the results indicate we understand the will of our members and are taking the organisation in the direction the members want us to go.

"Whereas we don’t always get things right, we are mature enough to admit that and make changes where necessary."

The results of the survey are available on the RAAus website.

comments powered by Disqus